A new scheme on MB Way is worrying authorities and banks in Portugal. The victim receives money from an unknown contact and, shortly after, is approached by another person who says that the transfer was made “by mistake” and asks for the amount to be returned immediately.
At first glance, the order may seem normal. Someone has sent money to the wrong number and just wants to get the amount back. However, according to published warnings, this procedure could hide a money laundering scheme.
The problem is in the money path. In some cases, the number sending the transfer is not the same number requesting the return. By agreeing to resend the amount to another contact, the victim may be unknowingly helping to circulate funds of suspicious origin.
Prices between 150 and 200 euros
According to reports cited by the portal, the amounts involved are usually around 150, 180 or 200 euros. After the transfer, a message arrives, often via WhatsApp, with phrases such as: “I made a mistake with the transfer, can you return it?”
The approach may have an urgent or emotional tone, leading the person to act quickly, without confirming the origin of the money or contacting the bank.
It is precisely this rush that criminals try to exploit. The quicker the victim returns the money, the less likely they are to realize that they may be being used as an intermediary.
PJ was already investigating complaints
The Civil Police were already investigating complaints related to this type of scheme at the beginning of April. Later, the PSP reinforced the warning and appealed to citizens not to respond to suspicious contacts.
According to authorities, this method can use ordinary people’s accounts to make it difficult to trace the money. The victim is not the traditional target of a scam in which they directly lose money, but they may end up involved in the movement of values associated with criminal activity.
Therefore, returning the money without confirming the situation may create problems. Even if the person is convinced that they are just correcting a mistake, they may be participating in an illegal circuit.
Bank also warns
ActivoBank has already sent a warning to customers about this scam, noting that it has been effective. The recommendation is clear: do not return the money immediately.
The bank advises customers to contact customer support first, keep all receipts and preserve messages, screenshots and conversation records.
This evidence can be important if it is necessary to file a complaint or clarify the origin of the transfer.
What should you do if you receive money by mistake?
If you receive an unexpected MB Way transfer from someone you don’t know, you should not send the amount to another number just because they ask you to.
The first step should be to contact the bank or support of the service used for the transfer. You must explain the situation and follow official instructions.
You must also keep proof of the transfer received, the associated telephone number, messages exchanged and any refund request made by call, SMS or WhatsApp.
Don’t give in to pressure
Criminals may try to pressure the victim, saying they need the money urgently or that there was an innocent mistake. Still, the recommendation is not to act on impulse.
If the transfer was actually made in error, the situation must be resolved through proper channels and not through an informal return to another contact.
In case of suspicion, you must register a police report at a police station or contact the authorities, providing all available data.
The main rule is to confirm before returning
The MB Way remains a practical and safe tool when used carefully, but scams associated with unexpected transfers and contacts have increased.
The most important rule is simple: if you received money from a stranger and they ask you to give it back, stop before taking action. Contact the bank, confirm the situation and never send the amount to a different number without official validation.
In this new scheme, the victim may not lose money immediately, but may end up involved in a much more serious problem.
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